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Salary: USD 200,000 - 220,000 / annual
Arbor Energy is a climate tech company developing advanced power systems that deliver clean, reliable baseload electricity with zero operating emissions. The core technology is a supercritical CO₂ turbine with integrated carbon capture, designed to enable carbon-neutral power generation at scale. The company combines aerospace engineering expertise with combustion and systems engineering to address growing electricity demand while decarbonizing the power sector.
The Head of Policy and Public Affairs will shape the policy, regulatory, stakeholder, and public environment necessary to deploy next-generation power infrastructure with carbon capture at scale. This is a strategic leadership role reporting to the executive team.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Policy Leadership: Serve as strategic advisor to executive and cross-functional leadership on policy, regulatory, stakeholder, and market-shaping issues. Develop and execute federal and state policy strategy in support of commercial deployment objectives. Monitor emerging legislation, regulations, and agency actions impacting carbon capture, power generation, grid infrastructure, energy markets, and industrial decarbonization. Represent Arbor in industry associations, working groups, coalitions, and policy forums. Provide strategic recommendations for long-term growth and market leadership.
Public Affairs and Strategic Engagement: Develop and lead public affairs strategy and stakeholder engagement approach. Shape external narrative around Arbor's technology, market opportunity, and role in addressing electricity demand. Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to establish Arbor as a trusted participant in public policy discussions. Develop coalitions and advocacy strategies supporting business objectives and market development. Support executive communications, thought leadership, and external engagement.
Permitting and Deployment Enablement: Develop strategies to accelerate permitting and regulatory pathways for commercialization. Support efforts to improve and accelerate project-enabling processes, including grid interconnection and Class VI permitting. Build relationships with federal, state, and regional agencies influencing deployment timelines. Identify policy and regulatory barriers and develop mitigation strategies.
Government Funding and Strategic Partnerships: Identify, pursue, and help secure non-dilutive funding opportunities across federal, state, and regional programs. Coordinate with technical, commercial, and finance teams to support grant applications and funding strategies. Develop relationships with agencies, policymakers, and funding organizations accelerating growth.
Requirements:
- Minimum 10+ years' experience in energy policy, public affairs, government affairs, infrastructure development, or related fields
- Demonstrated success influencing policy, regulatory, legislative, or stakeholder outcomes
- Experience in carbon capture, power generation, grid infrastructure, natural gas, industrial decarbonization, or similar sectors
- Strong understanding of energy markets, infrastructure development, permitting processes, or industrial project deployment
- Familiarity with Class VI permitting, EPA programs, DOE funding mechanisms, and energy infrastructure development
- Exceptional executive communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with senior policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and external stakeholders
- Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree
- Experience working in a startup environment
